Wire basket pathway system

ABSTRACT

A wire basket for supporting cables includes a plurality of wire frames connected together in a side-by-side manner in forming a generally flat bottom and first and second opposed upraised end portions so as to form a generally U-shaped frame. Each wire frame is formed of a single closed section of wire includes at least one radial bend positioned at opposite ends of the wire frame. The wire frame may also include an extended mounting member attached to the frame such that a distal end of the mounting member is generally aligned with and extends beyond the bottom portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/948,071, filed Jul. 5, 2007, the subject matter of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the positioning, support andprotection of cables, and is particularly directed to wire basketarrangements for maintaining pathways of cables securely and safely inposition in a raised floor system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The widespread use of electronic systems in business and industry hasled to the requirement to route large numbers of cables throughout thework environment. Various types of cable tray assemblies are used as asupport system for carrying these cables throughout various locations inbuildings and other commercial structures.

Attempts to provide additional space to accommodate greater numbers ofcables have led to the development of raised floor systems. Raised floorsystems make use of the space between the structure's original floor andan upper floor disposed in a spaced manner above the original floor.

Cable tray assemblies are particularly adapted for positioning beneaththe floor panels of the raised floor to contain and direct cables alongtheir respective pathways. Cable tray assemblies are generally comprisedof a large number of individual cable trays which are typically made ofwire lengths welded together in a cage-like arrangement to provide asupport surface for the cables.

One problem encountered in these prior art cable support systems is thepresence of sharp edges in the cable tray assemblies which are capableof cutting the cable's outer protective sheathing. In addition,increasing the number of cables within the confined space of the raisedfloor system restricts access to cable pathways which is required forcarrying out maintenance and repair functions. The ability to vary thehorizontal and vertical positioning of cable pathways in a controlledmanner for improving cooling air circulation, optimizing cable pathwayspacing and providing additional cable pathways is also limited inexisting cable support systems.

The present invention addresses the aforementioned limitations of theprior art by providing for the flexible vertical and lateral positioningof cable pathways in a raised floor system, as well as the eliminationof sharp edges in, and an increase in the strength of, individual cabletrays for accommodating larger numbers of cables.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved arrangement for supporting,grounding and connecting together plural wire frames in a cable traysystem.

The present invention also relates to the safe and secure support oflarge numbers of cables in a raised floor system, while providing cableaccess for inspection and maintenance.

The present invention further relates to an improved arrangement for acable pathway system which facilitates rerouting of the cables and theincorporation of additional cables.

The present invention relates still further to improved cable tray wireframes having substantially increased strength and rigidity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by theaccompanying figures. It should be understood that the figures are notnecessarily to scale and that details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the invention or that render other details difficult toperceive may be omitted. It should be understood, of course, that theinvention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodimentsillustrated herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved wire basket pathway systemin accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of an improved wire basket for usein a cable pathway system in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of a wirebasket for use in a cable pathway system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wire basket intersection for use in acable pathway system in accordance with another aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of a reinforced wirebasket in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the reinforced wire basket ofFIG. 5 shown assembled;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an end portion of a reinforcing memberincorporated in the wire basket shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of a pair of wire baskets connectedtogether in a telescoping manner in accordance with another aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the telescopically coupled pair of wirebaskets of FIG. 8 shown suspended from a support structure;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the telescopically coupled pair ofwire baskets shown in FIG. 9 extending over a large height change;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the telescopically coupled pair ofwire baskets shown in FIG. 9 extending over a small height change;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are upper perspective views of a first of the wirebaskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating a first telescoping memberrespectively detached from and attached to the wire basket;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are upper perspective views of a second of the wirebaskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating a second telescoping memberrespectively detached from and attached to the wire basket;

FIG. 16 is a lower perspective view of the telescopically coupled pairof wire baskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating the second telescopingmember prior to attachment to the telescoping arrangement;

FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the telescopically coupled pairof wire baskets shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 18 is an upper perspective view of the pair of telescopicallycoupled wire baskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating the two baskets in thenon-extended configuration;

FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of the pair of telescopicallycoupled wire baskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating the two baskets in thefully-extended configuration;

FIG. 20 is an upper perspective view of a centered wire basket attachedto four vertical pedestal members, or support columns, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an upper perspective view of a reinforced centered wirebasket in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an upper perspective view of an off-center wire basket inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the off-center wire basket of FIG.22 shown attached to and supported by plural support members;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a pedestal bracket for attaching a wirebasket to a support structure in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the pedestal bracket shown inFIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a support clamp portion of the inventivepedestal bracket illustrating its U-bolt clamp in the open position;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the support clamp portion of the inventivepedestal bracket illustrating the U-bolt clamp in the closed position;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the support clamp portion of theinventive pedestal bracket attached to a vertical support member;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the inventive pedestal bracket attachedto a vertical support member illustrating the manner in which thepedestal bracket's U-bolt clamp is tightened;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of a pedestal bracket in accordance with thepresent invention attached to and supporting a pair of wire baskets;

FIGS. 31-33 are top plan views of the inventive pedestal bracketillustrating the manner in which the angular orientation of the pedestalbracket on a vertical support member to which it is attached may bevaried over a 360° range;

FIGS. 34-35 are side elevation views of a wire basket attached to a pairof vertical supports by means of a pair of pedestal brackets inaccordance with the present invention, wherein the vertical position ofthe wire baskets may be varied in a continuous manner over a verticalheight range;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of a wire basket pathwaysystem incorporating plural cable bend guides in accordance with anotheraspect of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is an upper perspective view of a wire basket to which areattached a pair of inventive cable bend guides;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the inventive cable bend guide;

FIGS. 39-41 are perspective views illustrating the sequence of stepsinvolved with attaching the inventive cable bend guide to a wire basket;and

FIG. 42 is a sectional view of a portion of the inventive cable bendguide attached to a wire basket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an improvedwire basket pathway system 10 in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention. The wire basket pathway system 10 provides for pluralcable runs 12 a, 12 b and 12 c, which are shown as an example, as thepresent invention is adapted for use with virtually any number of cableruns. Each of these three cable runs 12 a, 12 b and 12 c includes pluralcables carrying electronic signals. The wire basket pathway system 10may also include one or more optical cables 13, as well as, possiblypower cables which are not shown in the figure for simplicity.

The first, second and third cable runs 12 a, 12 b and 12 c are disposedbetween a first lower floor 26 and a second raised floor 28. Electronicinstrumentation is disposed on the second raised floor 28 and istypically enclosed in one or more cabinets 40.

The cable runs 12 a, 12 b and 12 c are positioned on and supported bythe inventive wire basket pathway system 10. The wire basket pathwaysystem 10 includes plural wire baskets connected together and maintainedin position by means of a support structure 30. Support structure 30includes plural spaced vertical members 32 disposed on the first lowerfloor 26 and interconnected by means of plural upper horizontal members38. Each of the vertical members 32 includes a respective lower plate 34disposed on the first lower floor 26 and an upper plate 36 engaging andsupporting plural upper horizontal members 38. This type of wire basketsupport structure 30 is conventional in structure and function.Typically, upper horizontal members 38 are also utilized to supportfloor panels of upper floor 28. As will be mentioned later below, thefloor panels are currently at a United States standard of 24 inches by24 inches and at a European standard of 600 mm by 600 mm.

The wire basket pathway system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a largenumber of wire baskets, but only three wire baskets 14, 16 and 18 willbe discussed herein for simplicity. Each of the first, second and thirdwire baskets 14, 16 and 18 support the second cable run 12 b, as wellas, a portion of the optical cable run 13. Each of the first, second andthird wire baskets 14, 16 and 18 is connected to and supported by two ormore vertical members 32. Thus, the first wire basket 14 is connected toand supported by four vertical members 32 by means of four pedestalbrackets 20 a, 20 b, 22 a and 22 b. Similarly, the second wire basket 16is coupled to and supported by a pair of vertical members 32 by means ofpedestal brackets 22 a and 22 b. Finally, the third wire basket 18 iscoupled to and supported by a pair of vertical members 32 by means ofpedestal brackets 24 a and 24 b. In accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, each of these pedestal brackets couple the wirebasket or baskets to which it is connected to the building ground systemvia the vertical member on which the pedestal bracket is positioned(assuming the vertical member is otherwise grounded to the buildingground). The second and third wire baskets 16, 18 are connected togetherin a telescoping manner to allow for a change in vertical height of thesecond cable run 12 b in a manner which is described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an upper perspective of a reinforcedwire basket 50 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Reinforced wire basket 50 is comprised of plural connectedwires and is designed to provide additional rigidity and strength forsupporting and maintaining, in fixed position, large numbers of cables.The wires are preferably comprised of high pre-galvanized steel wire.However, the wires can be constructed of other metals such as stainlesssteel, cold-rolled steel, and the like. All 90° angles, as shown in thisembodiment, in reinforced wire basket 50, as well as, in all other wirebasket structures in accordance with the present invention disclosedherein, are formed by bending wires in a smooth curve and do not includeany sharp edges which could damage a cable supported by the basket. Theavoidance of sharp edges also prevents injuries to installers andtechnicians working with and around the system. Reinforced wire basket50 is comprised of plural aligned U-shaped closed wire frames 52 a-52 ewhich are connected together in a side-by-side relationship forming agenerally flat bottom 53 and opposed upraised end portions 55. Thisconstruction provides wire basket 50 with a generally overall U-shapedframe. As can be seen in FIG. 2, upraised end portion 55 comprises aclosed section 57 without an end and in this example, two bend radii 59are positioned one at each end of closed section 57. Reinforced wirebasket 50 further includes plural aligned flat closed wire frames 54a-54 e similarly, constructed in side-by-side relationship forming agenerally flat structure. The lower portion of each of the U-shapedclosed wire frames 52 a-52 e are placed in contact with and securelyconnected to each of the flat closed wire frames 54 a-54 e by means ofresistance weldments at each wire intersection. Disposed on and securelyattached to opposed vertical or upraised end portions 55 of the U-shapedclosed wire frames 52 a-52 e by means of resistance weldments are firstand second closed parallel wire frames 56 and 58. Opposed end portionsof each of the flat closed wire frames 54 a-54 e extend beyond therespective end U-shaped closed wire frames 52 a and 52 e. Disposed onand securely attached by means of resistance weldments to each of theend extensions of the flat closed wire frames 54 a-54 e are third andfourth closed parallel wire frames 60 and 62. The double wireconfiguration of the connected U-shaped and flat closed wire frames aswell as on its two opposed side and end portions substantially increasesthe strength and rigidity of the wire basket for supporting the weightof additional cables. The reinforced wire basket 50 is 21″ wide by 6″high by 24′ long.

Shown in FIG. 3 is a larger reinforced wire basket 68 which is 21″ wideby 6″ high by 48″ long. Reinforced wire basket 68 in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention has a larger number ofU-shaped closed wire frames 70 a-70 k than that of reinforced wirebasket 50 shown in FIG. 2. As in the previously described embodiment,reinforced wire basket 68 includes plural flat closed wire frames 72a-72 e, first and second closed parallel wire frames 74 and 76 disposedon lateral portions of the U-shaped closed wire frames, and third andfourth closed parallel wire frames 78 and 80 disposed on opposed ends ofthe reinforced wire basket. The larger reinforced wire basket 68 shownin FIG. 3 would permit the use of fewer pedestal brackets in a wirebasket pathway system in which it is incorporated. The inventivereinforced wire baskets disclosed herein are not limited to the specificdimensions discussed herein, but may have a wide range of dimensionsdepending upon the dimensions of the cable pathways being supported.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a reinforced wire basketintersection 84 also in accordance with the present invention.Reinforced wire basket intersection 84 is also shown in the wire basketpathway system 10 of FIG. 1. Reinforced wire basket intersection 84 isinstalled and attached in the wire basket pathway system 10 in the samemanner as the aforementioned wire baskets and allows for horizontaldirectional changes of the cables with a single component. Reinforcedwire basket intersection 84 includes first plural closed parallel wireframes 86 a-86 e and second plural closed parallel wire frames 88 a-88 ewhich are aligned generally transverse to and are disposed in contactwith one another. The ends of the first plural closed parallel wireframes 86 a-86 e extend beyond the width of the second plural closedparallel wire frames 88 a-88 e. Similarly, the ends of the second pluralclosed parallel wire frames 88 a-88 e extend beyond the width of thefirst plural closed parallel wire frames 86 a-86 e. First and secondclosed parallel wire frames 90 and 92 are disposed on and attached toopposed ends of the second plural closed parallel wire frames 88 a-88 e.Similarly, third and fourth closed parallel wire frames 94 and 96 aredisposed upon and attached to opposed ends of the first plural closedparallel wire frames 86 a-86 e. Each wire frame is securely attached toall other wire frames with which it is in contact by means of resistanceweldments. Providing a resistance weldment at each intersection of thevarious wire frames substantially increases the strength and rigidity ofthe reinforced wire basket intersection 84.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an upper perspective view of anotherembodiment of a reinforced wire basket 102 in accordance with thepresent invention. Reinforced wire basket 102 includes an upper U-shapedframe assembly 104 and a lower planar frame assembly 106. The upper andlower frame assemblies 104, 106 are secured together by means of pluralresistance weldments at their intersections. Disposed at opposed ends ofthe lower planar frame assembly 106 are first and second end reinforcingmembers 108 and 110, which are shown removed from the reinforced wirebasket 102 in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows the first and second end reinforcingmembers 108, 110 attached to opposed ends of the reinforced wirebasket's lower planar frame assembly 106 a, b, as discussed in moredetail below. First and second closed parallel wire frames 98 a and 98 bare attached to respective opposed ends of the upper U-shaped frameassembly 104 by means of weldments. Similarly, plural T-welds such as atlocations 100 a and 100 b securely connect inner wires to the outerperipheral wires of upper and lower frame assemblies 104 and 106. Thefirst and second end reinforcing members 108, 110 are preferablycomprised of pre-galvanized steel: however, other metals such asstainless steel, cold-rolled steel, and the like can be employed.

Referring also to FIG. 7, there is shown a sectional view of an endportion of the second end reinforcing member 110. The second endreinforcing member 110 includes opposed lateral curvilinear end portions110 a and an aft end curvilinear portion 110 b extending substantiallythe entire length of the reinforcing member as shown in FIG. 6. Thefirst curvilinear end portion 110 a forms a first inner recessed portion110 c in the end of the second end reinforcing member 110. The secondcurvilinear aft portion 110 b forms a second inner recessed portion 110d extending substantially the length of the second end reinforcingmember 110. The first and second inner recessed portions 110 c and 110 dare adapted for receiving end portions of the lower planar frameassembly 106 in a tight fitting manner so that the first and second endreinforcing members 108 and 110 are securely maintained in position onreinforced wire basket 102.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown first and second wire basketsections 120 and 122 coupled together by adjustable coupling assembly124 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Thetelescoping wire basket arrangement shown in FIG. 8 is also illustratedin FIG. 9, where the first and second wire basket sections 120, 122 areshown connected to and maintained in position by utilization of asupport structure 126. Support structure 126 includes first throughfourth vertical support members 128 a-128 d and first through fourthhorizontal support members 130 a-130 d. One end portion of the firstwire basket 120 is coupled to the first and second vertical supportmembers 128 a and 128 b by use of pedestal brackets 132 a and 132 b,respectively. Similarly, one end of the second wire basket 122 isconnected to the third and fourth vertical support members 128 c and 128d by use of pedestal brackets 132 c and 132 d, respectively. Theadjustable coupling assembly 124 allows the first and second wire basketsections 120, 122 to be either moved together in closely spaced relationor to be moved apart in an extended configuration. The extendedconfiguration is shown in the side elevation view of FIG. 10, while theretracted configuration is shown in the side elevation view of FIG. 11.By adjusting the spacing between the first and second wire basketsections 120, 122, the vertical height change between the two wirebaskets, and plural cables disposed thereon, may be adjusted in acontinuous manner over a wide range of height differences, as desired.For example, for a minimal height change such as 1″, the first andsecond wire basket sections 120, 122 are arranged in closely spacedrelation as shown in FIG. 11. To accommodate a height change of 12″, thefirst and second wire basket sections 120, 122 are arranged in the fullyextended configuration as shown in FIG. 10. A maximum heightdifferential of 12″ is possible with a horizontal spacing of 24″ betweenadjacent vertical support members 128 a and 128 d. Each floor tile istypically a 24″×24″ square.

Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a perspective view of the firstwire basket 120 which includes an extended portion 120 a extendingsubstantially across its width. The first and second wire basketsections 120, 122 are identical in size and configuration. Each basketsection 120, 122 is similarly constructed to wire basket 50, describedabove. Each section 120, 122 comprises a flat bottom portion 121 and 123respectively, and opposing upraised end portions 125, wherein eachsection 120, 122 takes on a generally U-shaped overall frameconfiguration. Also shown in FIG. 12 is a first telescoping member 134which is adapted for secure attachment to the first wire basket 120 asshown in FIG. 13. First telescoping member 134 is in the form of asingle piece of high-strength metal and includes a body portion 138 andfour elongated linear portions 136 a-136 d extending laterally from thebody portion 138. The four elongated linear portions 136 a-136 d arearranged in a spaced manner along the length of the body portion 138.The two outer elongated linear portions 136 a and 136 d are eachprovided with a respective reinforcing rib 142 a and 142 b. The thirdelongated linear portion 136 c is provided with an elongated, linearclearance slot 144. While not shown, a linear clearance slot could alsobe formed on elongated linear portion 136 b. Disposed on the end of eachof the four elongated, linear portions 136 a-136 d is a respective stoptab 158 a-158 d. Similarly, disposed on the outer edge of body portion138 is an angled edge 140 having plural, spaced recesses 140 a-140 edisposed along its length. With the first telescoping member 134positioned in contact with the first wire basket section 120 as shown inFIG. 13, the first telescoping member is securely connected to the firstwire basket by means of plural resistance weldments 160 a, 160 b and 160c. With the first telescoping member 134 thus attached to the first wirebasket section 120, the angled edge 140 of the first telescoping memberengages wire 120 b of the first wire basket. In addition, each of thespaced recesses 140 a-140 e in the angled edge 140 is adapted to receivea respective wire in a lower portion of the first wire basket 120. Forexample, wire 120 c of the first wire basket section 120 is disposedwithin recess 140 e in the first telescoping member's angled edge 140.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown an upper perspective view of thesecond wire basket section 122 including extension portion 122 a and asecond telescoping member 146. Second telescoping member 146 is shownpositioned on second wire basket section 122 in FIG. 15. Secondtelescoping member 146 includes plural spaced upraised portions 148a-148 e along its length. Disposed on the first upraised portion 148 aare a pair of spaced tabs 152. Similarly, disposed on the fifth upraisedportion 148 e of the second telescoping member 146 are a second pair ofspaced tabs 154. With the second telescoping member 146 disposed on thesecond wire basket section 122, a lower surface of each of the upraisedportions 148 a-184 e is adapted to receive a respective wire of thesecond wire basket. For example, the lower surface of the third upraisedportion 148 c is adapted to receive wire 122 b of the second wire basketsection 122. Second telescoping member 146 further includes an aperture150. Second telescoping member 146 is securely attached to the secondwire basket by means of plural resistance weldments disposed betweenrespective wires of the second wire basket and spaced recesses on thelower surface of the second telescoping member.

With reference to FIG. 16, which is a lower perspective view of thefirst and second wire basket sections 120, 122, the combination isassembled by positioning the first telescoping member 134 which isattached to the first wire basket section 120 in an overlapping mannerwith respect to the second wire basket. The four elongated linearportions 136 a-136 d of the first telescoping member 134 are eachpositioned in contact with the second telescoping member 146 betweenadjacent upraised portions of the second telescoping member. A thirdtelescoping member 147 having an aperture 149 is then positioned overthe elongated linear portions 136 a-136 d of the first telescopingmember 134 as shown in FIG. 17. A threaded fastener is inserted throughapertures 150 and 149 in the second and third telescoping members 146and 147, respectively, as %% ell as through the elongated, linearclearance slot 144 in the first telescoping member 134, which are inmutual alignment. It is in this manner that the first and second wirebasket sections 120, 122 are securely maintained in sliding engagementwith each other to provide a telescoping feature for the two wirebaskets and provide an electrical bond between wire basket sections 120,122.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the first and second wire basketsections 120, 122 in the retracted, closely spaced position, while FIG.19 is a perspective view showing the two wire baskets in the fullyextended position. The threaded fastener 156 disposed within the alignedapertures 150, 149 of the second and third telescoping members 146, 147and within the elongated, linear clearance slot 144 of the firsttelescoping member 134, in combination with the plural stop tabs 158a-159 d also disposed on the first telescoping member, preventseparation of the first and second wire basket sections 120, 122. Oncethe proper spacing between the first and second wire basket sections120, 122 is achieved, depending upon the required change in heightbetween the two wire baskets, the threaded fastener 156 is tightened tomaintain the required wire basket spacing.

Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown an upper perspective view of acentered wire basket 166 without sharp edges and in accordance withanother aspect of the present invention. Centered wire basket 166 iswithout sharp edges and is coupled to plural vertical pedestal members168 a-168 d by means of plural pedestal brackets 170 a-170 d. Centeredwire basket 166 includes a generally U-shaped upper frame member 172connected to a lower frame member 174 by means of plural resistanceweldments as previously described. Lower frame member 174 includes firstand second extended end members 174 a and 174 b. The width of the wirebasket's upper frame member 172 is less than the length of the extendedend members 174 a, 174 b of the wire basket's lower frame member 174.The wire basket's upper frame member 172 is centered between the ends ofits extended end members 174 a, 174 b and between the first and fourthpedestal members 168 a, 168 d and the second and third pedestal members168 b, 168 c. The spaces between the sides of the wire basket's upperframe member 172 and the ends of the lower frame member's extended endmembers 174 a and 174 b provide access to the space below the centeredwire basket 166 for maintenance or repair of system components locatedbeneath the centered wire basket.

Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown another embodiment of a centeredwire basket 180 in accordance with this aspect of the present invention.Centered wire basket 180 is also without any sharp edges and issimilarly constructed as described above for wire basket 50 whereinplural U-shaped closed wire frames 182 with opposing upraised sections183 are positioned in side-by-side relationship in mutual alignment andconnected to a pair of inner flat closed wire frames 184 and a pair ofouter flat closed wire frames 186. Plural wire frames 182 when connectedform an overall U-shaped frame for wire basket 180. First and second endreinforcing members 188 and 190 are securely attached by use ofresistance weldments (not shown for simplicity) to the end portions ofthe inner and outer flat closed wire frames 184 and 186. Extended endportions 188, 190 have distal ends that generally align with bottom 191and extend away therefrom. A smaller flat closed wire frame 192 isdisposed on opposed ends of each of the first and second end reinforcingmembers 188, 190 and is resistance welded to adjacent structuralelements.

Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown an upper perspective view of anoffset wire basket 196 in accordance with another embodiment of thisaspect of the present invention. Offset wire basket 196 is shown in thefront elevation view of FIG. 23 attached to first and second verticalsupports 204 a and 204 b by means of first and second pedestal brackets206 a and 206 b, respectively. Offset wire basket 196 includes agenerally U-shaped upper frame 198 attached to a generally planar lowerframe 200 by means of plural resistance weldments as previouslydescribed. Offset wire basket 196 also includes first and secondextended end portions 202 a and 202 b. The offset wire basket's upperframe 198 is disposed on one end of each of the first and secondextended end portions 202 a, 202 b to provide a space, or gap, between alateral edge of the upper frame and the distal ends of the first andsecond extended end portions 202 a, 202 b. It is this space between alateral portion of the offset wire basket's upper frame 198 and thedistal ends of the lower frame's extended end portions, as shown for thecase of extended end portion 202 b in FIG. 23, which provides access formaintenance or repair of system components located below the offset wirebasket 196.

Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a perspective view of a pedestalbracket 210 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.An exploded perspective view of the inventive pedestal bracket 210 isshown in FIG. 25, while FIGS. 26-29 illustrate additional details of theinventive pedestal bracket.

Pedestal bracket 210 includes an upper support plate 212 and a lowersupport clamp assembly 214. Support plate 212 is securely attached tosupport clamp assembly 214 by use of a support plate locking screw 216inserted through a first curvilinear elongated slot 222 in the supportplate and into a threaded aperture 214 a in an upper portion of thesupport clamp assembly 214. Support plate 212 and support clamp assembly214 are further coupled together by means of first and second shoulderlocking tabs 218 and 220. First shoulder locking tab 218 is insertedthrough a second curvilinear slot 224 through insert slot 224 a insupport plate 212, while second shoulder locking tab 220 is similarlyinserted through a third curvilinear slot 226 within the support platethrough insert slot 226 a. An opening 212 a is formed in support plate212 for receiving a vertical support member. Attached to the uppersurface of support plate 212 are three retainer clips 238, 240 and 242.Each retainer clip includes a respective inwardly directed angled tab,as shown for the case of the third retainer clip 242 having angled tab242 a. Angled tab 242 a is adapted for insertion in slot 212 c insupport plate 212. Each retainer clip further includes an outwardlyextending apertured tab, as shown for the first retainer clip 238 havingapertured tab 238 a. Each pair of angled and apertured tabs are disposedon opposed portions of a retainer clip and extended downwardly from theretainer clip. Each apertured tab 238 a of a retainer clip is disposedin contact with an apertured mounting tab 212 b attached to andextending from the support plate 212. A retainer clip screw 244 isinserted through the aligned apertures of the retainer clip's aperturedtab 238 a and an apertured mounting tab 212 b attached to and extendingfrom support plate 212. A connector 246 engages screw 244 formaintaining each retainer clip securely in position on the upper surfaceof the support plate 212. A screw retainer 245 is used to secure thescrew 244 to the retainer clip 238 in an assembly. Each of the first,second and third retainer clips 238, 240 and 242 is adapted to engageand support at least one wire basket as described in detail below. Inorder to more securely maintain a wire basket on the pedestal clamp'ssupport plate 212, each retainer clip is provided with first and secondedge tabs 238 b and 238 c as shown for the first retainer clip 238 inFIG. 25. Disposed adjacent each retainer clip are upward extending tabs241 a and 241 b on the pedestal clamp's support plate 212 as also shownin FIG. 25 for maintaining a wire basket in engagement with the pedestalbracket 210.

Attached to support clamp assembly 214 is a U-bolt clamp 228 in the formof a metal rod. U-bolt clamp 228 is adapted for securely connectingpedestal bracket 210 to a support member 248. U-bolt clamp 228 includesa first curvilinear end 228 a and a second threaded end 228 b. The firstcurvilinear end 228 a of U-bolt clamp 228 is adapted for insertionthrough an aperture 232 a as well as through a slot 232 b within thesupport clamp assembly 214. The first curvilinear end 228 a of U-boltclamp 228 is capable of undergoing pivoting displacement about theportion of the support clamp 214 between its aperture 232 a and slot 232b in the direction of arrow 252 in FIG. 26.

The U-bolt clamp 228 may, thus, be moved to a position in contact withvertical support member 248 (also referred to as 32 in earlier figures),as shown in FIG. 27. In this position, the threaded end 228 b of U-boltclamp 228 is disposed within a notched portion 233 in an outer edge ofthe support clamp 214. Tightening of a nut 230 disposed on the threadedend 228 b of the U-bolt clamp 228 secures pedestal bracket 210 in fixedposition on vertical support member 248.

The support clamp assembly 214 of pedestal bracket 210 further includesa V-shaped recess 234 formed from wall 215 and adapted to engage anouter corner of a generally square, or rectangular, vertical supportmember 248 as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, as well as a circular or roundvertical support member, not shown. The V-shaped recess 234 and U-boltclamp 228 maintain the support clamp 214 in secure position on verticalsupport 248. Support clamp assembly 214 further includes a pair ofspaced, facing flat surfaces 236 a and 236 b for engaging opposed outersurfaces of vertical support member 248 as also shown in FIGS. 26 and27. First and second facing flat surfaces 236 a, 236 b of support clampassembly 214 in combination with U-bolt clamp 228 maintain the pedestalbracket 210 securely in fixed position on vertical support member 248.The lower end of the V-shaped recess 234 and the spaced, facing flatsurfaces 236 a and 236 b form a portion of an aperture 236 in a lowerportion of support clamp assembly 214. As shown in the various figures,the portion of the support clamp assembly 214 adjacent the loweraperture 236 therein is angled inwardly to increase the strength of thisportion of the support clamp to provide increased resistance to rotationof the pedestal bracket 210 on vertical support member 248. As shown inFIG. 29. U-bolt clamp 228 of the support clamp assembly 214 is securelyattached to the vertical support member 248 by tightening nut 230 aroundthe threaded end portion 228 b of the U-bolt clamp by means of aconventional tool such as a nut driver 250.

Referring to FIG. 30, there is shown the manner in which a pedestalbracket 256 engages and provides support for a pair of wire baskets 264and 266. Adjacent corner portions of the wire baskets 264 and 266 arepositioned on the upper surface of the pedestal bracket's support plate268. Retainer clip 260 is positioned over adjacent edges of the firstand second wire baskets 264, 266 and a screw 262 is inserted through thealigned apertures within retainer clip and the pedestal bracket'ssupport plate 268 and is tightened. Adjacent wires 264 a and 266 a ofthe first and second wire baskets 264, 266, respectively, are securelyand fixedly maintained in position between the pedestal bracket'ssupport plate 268 and retainer clip 260. Each retainer clip 260 isadapted for securely attaching either a single wire basket or a pair ofwire baskets to pedestal bracket 256. Also shown in FIG. 30 is the lowerplate 270 and an upper plate 272 of the vertical support member (notshown for simplicity) to which pedestal bracket 256 is attached.

As shown in FIG. 30, the positions of wires 264 a and 266 a, which areattached to pedestal bracket 256 by means of its retainer clip 260, maybe variably positioned between the pedestal bracket's support plate 268and its retainer clip in both the longitudinal and lateral directions.For example, wire 264 a is disposed closer to the outer edge of retainerclip 260, while wire 266 a is positioned closer to the center ofretainer clip 260, and is almost in contact with the tab of the retainerclip through which the retainer clip screw 262 is inserted. By adjustingthe positioning of wires 264 a and 266 a in the direction of arrow 274 aor in the direction of arrow 274 b, the spacing between the first andsecond wire baskets 264 and 266 may be adjusted longitudinally, asdesired. The capability to adjust the spacing between adjacent wirebaskets allows these pedestal brackets of the present invention to beused with the United States standard grid system of a 24 inch by 24 inchfor the spacings of vertical supports 248 as well as the 600 mm by 600mm grid spacing of the vertical supports for the Europe standard.

Referring to FIGS. 31-33, the manner in which the inventive pedestalbracket 210 may be positioned at any angular orientation on a generallysquare vertical support member 248 will now be described. As shown inFIG. 31, pedestal bracket 210 engages a pair of opposed lateral sides ofvertical support member 248 between its opposed facing flat surfaces 236a and 236 b. The orientation of pedestal bracket 210 relative tovertical support member 248 may be changed by rotating pedestal bracket45° and inserting an outer corner of the vertical support member in thepedestal bracket's V-shaped, recess 234 as previously described and asshown in FIG. 32. Pedestal bracket 210 may be oriented at any anglebetween 0°, as shown in FIG. 31, and 45°, as shown in FIG. 32. In FIG.33, the pedestal bracket 210 is also shown engaging opposed outer wallsof vertical support member 248 between its first and second facing flatsurfaces 236 a and 236 b. However, in FIG. 33, support plate lockingscrew 216 has been loosened, allowing support plate 212 to rotaterelative to support clamp 214 in the direction of arrow 254. Changingthe orientation of pedestal bracket 210 relative to the vertical supportmember 248 causes the support plate locking screw 216 to be positionedat the lower end of first curvilinear slot 222 in support plate 212 asshown in FIG. 33. Similarly, the first and second shoulder locking tabs218 and 220 have moved within the second and third curvilinear slots 224and 226, respectively. Rotational displacement of the pedestal bracket210 relative to the vertical support member 248 in the oppositedirection would position the support plate locking screw 216 in an upperportion of the first curvilinear slot 222. Similarly, the first andsecond shoulder locking tabs 218, 220 would be moved to respectiveopposed ends of the second and third curvilinear slots 224 and 226 fromthat shown in FIG. 33. Once the support plate 212 is in the desiredorientation relative to the vertical support member 248, the supportplate locking screw 216 is tightened for securely and fixedly connectingthe support plate 212 to the support clamp 214, with the pedestalbracket 210 similarly in fixed orientation relative to the verticalsupport member. Support plate 212 and support clamp 214 remain connectedduring relative rotational displacement between these two components bymeans of support plate locking screw 216 and shoulder locking tabs 218,220. Support plate 212 is capable of undergoing up to 22½° rotationaldisplacement relative to support clamp 214. Thus, any angularorientation between pedestal bracket 210 and vertical support member 248may be achieved. For example, by attaching pedestal clamp 210 to thevertical support member 248, as shown in FIG. 31, with opposed sides ofthe vertical support member engaged by the pedestal clamp, the anglebetween the pedestal clamp and vertical support member may be changed byup to 22½° by rotating the pedestal bracket's plate 212 relative to itssupport clamp 214 in a first direction. Any angle between 22½° and 45between the pedestal clamp 210 and vertical support member 248 may beachieved by positioning the pedestal bracket in engagement with twoadjacent surfaces, or with a corner, of the vertical support member 248and rotating the support clamp 212 relative to the vertical supportmember in a second, opposed direction.

The inventive pedestal clamp 210 has a further benefit in that it iscapable of universal height adjustment of a wire basket to which it isconnected. U-bolt clamp 228 can be releasably secured to verticalsupport member 248 at any desired position along the length of verticalsupport member 248. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, wire basket 280 isconnected to lower end portions of first and second vertical supportmembers 284 a and 284 b by first and second pedestal brackets 282 a and282 b, respectively. FIG. 35 shows the vertical wire basket 280connected to upper portions of the first and second vertical supportmembers 284 a and 284 b by the first and second pedestal brackets 282 aand 282 b, respectively. Thus, the pedestal brackets of the presentinvention are capable of securely and fixedly positioning a wire basketat any height along the length of the vertical support members of thewire basket support system.

Referring to FIG. 36, there is shown an upper perspective view of a wirebasket pathway system 292 in accordance with the present invention. Wirebasket pathway system 292 includes plural wire baskets 294 a-294 dconnected together by use of a wire basket intersection 296. Pluralcable bend guides are attached to the ends of the various wire basketsshown in FIG. 36 to accommodate a 90° turn in the cable runs. Thus, thefirst wire basket 294 a has attached to its end adjacent to the wirebasket intersection 296 first and second cable bend guides 298 a and 298b. The second wire basket 294 b has third and fourth cable bend guides300 a and 300 b attached to its end which is adjacent to the wire basketintersection 296. The third wire basket 294 c similarly has a pair ofcable bend guides 302 a and 302 b connected to its end adjacent to thewire basket intersection 296. Finally, the fourth wire basket 294 d hasa cable bend guide 304 attached to its end adjacent to the wire basketintersection 296. The cable bend guides provide a smooth bend radius forthe cables undergoing a 90° turn in passing from one wire basket toanother, adjacent wire basket.

FIG. 37 is an upper perspective view of wire basket 294 c illustratingadditional details of cable bend guides 302 a and 302 b which will nowbe described in terms of FIGS. 38-42 which show the manner in which acable bend guide is attached to a wire basket. Referring to FIG. 38,there is shown a perspective view of cable bend guide 302 a. Cable bendguide 302 a includes a first generally planar wall section 306, a secondcurvilinear wall section 308 and a third generally planar wall section310. The three sections are formed from a single piece of high strengthmetal such as pre-galvanized sheetsteel. The curvilinear wall section308 of the cable bend guide 302 a engages one or more cables undergoinga turn in their routing for providing the cable, or cables, with asmooth bend radius. The third planar wall section 310 serves toreinforce, or strengthen, the cable bend guide 302 a for use with largenumbers of cables and eliminates any sharp edges which could damage thecables. Extending rearwardly from the first planar wall section 306 ofthe cable bend guide 302 a is a tab 312 to which is attached a mountingclip 314. Mounting clip 314 includes upper wire hooks 316 a and lowerwire hooks 316 b. Also extending from the aft edge of the cable bendguide's first planar wall section 306 are upper and lower retaining tabs318 a and 318 b.

Cable bend guide 302 a is attached to wire basket 294 c in the followingmanner. Cable bend guide 302 a is positioned inside of a first end wire320 a of the wire basket 294 c, with its mounting clip 314 locatedbetween second and third wires 320 b and 320 c of the wire basket asshown in FIG. 39. In this position, the first upper wire hooks 316 a aredisposed on a first side of the second wire 320 b, while the secondlower wire hooks 316 b are disposed on a second, opposed side of thethird wire 320 c. Cable bend guide 302 a is then rotated in thedirection of arrow 322 in a counter clockwise direction as viewed inFIG. 39. The first upper wire hooks 316 a then engage the second wire320 b in a snap-acting manner, while the second lower wire hooks 316 bengage the third wire 320 c also in a snap-acting manner as shown inFIG. 40. The wire hooks are sized so as to securely engage a wire ofwire basket 294 c when pressure is applied by rotational displacement ofthe cable bend guide 302 a, as described. The cable bend guide 302 a isthen linearly displaced in the direction of arrow 324 as shown in FIG.40. This causes the first and second retaining tabs 318 a and 318 b toengage the wire basket's first wire 320 a, also in a snap-acting manner,as shown in FIG. 41. Each of the retaining tabs includes an angledportion 319 as shown with the first retaining tab 318 a in FIG. 42 whichengages the first wire 320 a and further attaches the cable bend guide302 a to wire basket 294 c. With the first and second wire hooks 316 a,316 b engaging opposed sides of the second and third wires 320 b and 320c, and with each of the retaining tabs 318 a and 318 b engaging the wirebasket's first wire 320 a, cable bend guide 302 a is securely attachedin a fixed manner to wire basket 294 c.

Though particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the relevant artsthat changes and modifications may be made without departing from theinvention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim of the appendedclaims is to cover all such changes and modifications as falls withinthe true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in theforegoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way ofillustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of theinvention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewedin their proper perspective based on the prior art.

1. A wire basket for supporting cables, the wire basket comprising: aplurality of wire frames connected together in a side-by-side manner informing a generally flat bottom and first and second opposed upraisedend portions so as to form a generally U-shaped frame; and first andsecond closed wire frames wherein each wire flame is formed of a singleclosed section of wire comprising at least one radial bend positioned atopposing ends of the wire frame, the first closed wire frame connectedto the first upraised end portion with at least one resistance weldmentand the second closed wire frame is connected to the second upraised endportion with at least one resistance weldment; wherein each wire frameis formed of a single closed section of wire comprising at least oneradial bend positioned at opposing ends of the wire frame.
 2. The wirebasket of claim 1, wherein adjacent wire frames are connected to eachother with at least one resistance weldment.
 3. The wire basket of claim1, wherein each of the first and second closed wire frames extend alonga length of the respective frame, which is generally transverse to alength of the plurality of wire frames.
 4. The wire basket of claim 1,further comprising a second plurality of wire frames, wherein each wireframe is formed of a single closed section of wire comprising at leastone radial bend positioned at opposing ends of the wire frame, whereinthe second plurality of wire frames are positioned in a side-by-sidemanner and each of the wire frames extend along their respective lengthin a direction generally transverse to a length of the plurality of wireframes.
 5. The wire basket of claim 4, wherein adjacent wire frames ofthe second plurality of wire frames are connected to each other with atleast one resistance weldment.
 6. The wire basket of claim 4, wherein atleast one wire frame of the plurality of wire frames is connected to atleast one adjacent wire frame of the second plurality of wire frameswith a resistant weldment.
 7. The wire basket of claim 4, furthercomprising third and fourth closed wire frames, wherein each wire frameis formed of a single closed section of wire comprising at least oneradial bend positioned at opposing ends of the wire frame, wherein eachwire frame extends along its respective length and generally in adirection transverse to a length of the second plurality of wire frames,the third and fourth closed wire frames are connected to at least onewire frame of the second plurality of the wire frames by way of aresistance weldment, and the third and fourth closed wire frames arepositioned in generally the same plane as the flat bottom.
 8. A wirebasket for supporting cables, the wire basket comprising: a generallyfiat bottom portion and first and second opposed upraised end portionsthat form a generally U-shaped flame; a first extended mounting memberinterconnected to the frame such that a distal end of the first extendedmounting member is generally aligned with and extends beyond the bottomportion; and a second extended mounting member comprising another distalend generally aligned with and extending beyond the bottom portion,wherein the first extended mounting member is positioned at an end ofthe generally U-shaped frame and the second extended mounting member ispositioned on an opposite end of the generally U-shaped frame.
 9. Thewire basket of claim 8, wherein the generally U-shaped frame isconstructed of a plurality of wire frames connected together in aside-by-side manner wherein each wire frame is formed of a single closedsection of wire comprising at least one radial bend positioned atopposing ends of the wire frame.
 10. The wire basket of claim 8, whereinadjacent wire frames are connected together with at least one resistanceweldment.
 11. The wire basket of claim 8, wherein the extended mountingmember and the second extended mounting member both extend in generallythe same direction away from the generally U-shaped frame such that thedistal end and the other distal end are both positioned closer to one ofthe first and second upraised portions.
 12. The wire basket of claim 8,wherein each of the extended mounting member and second extendedmounting member extends in a direction generally transverse to the firstand second upraised end portions.
 13. The wire basket of claim 8,wherein each of the extended mounting member and the second extendedmounting member extends away from both the first and second upraisedportions on opposing sides of the generally U-shaped frame.